Long Term Outcomes after Surgery for Inguinal Hernia: a Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing Outcomes of Desarda and Lichtenstein Repairs with Three Years of Follow-Up

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study compares the outcomes of Desarda and Lichtenstein repairs over a period of three years after surgery. METHODS: In the present study we included a total number of 624 patients over 18 years of age, out of whom 240 underwent Desarda repair and 384 Lichtenstein repair. Patient data was collected from patient records to compare the two repair groups. Primary outcome measures were the presence of recurrence and chronic inguinal pain after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included operating times, return to activity, short term (<28 days after surgery) complications, long term complications such as infections, abdominal wall stiffness and groin numbness, and patient satisfaction after surgery. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in recurrence rate between the two repairs. Chronic inguinal pain after Desarda repair showed greater and more significant decrease with time. CONCLUSION: It appears that Desarda repair is as efficacious as Lichtenstein repair for hernia surgery, with a better long term pain profile. The short term complication rate is similar for both surgical procedures.